"This is for everyone who comes through the doors:" Local church serves 750,000 meals to those in need

For the last 15 years, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist has served a hot lunch through the Open Door Cafe program. 

On Sunday, they served its 750,000th meal. Throughout the years, the church has worked with various volunteers, organizations and corporations in the Milwaukee to help address poverty and hunger in Milwaukee. 

“We need the mayor, the alderman and other faith communities to come to help us. Although we are a catholic church this is not faith based, this is for everyone who comes through the doors," said Thomas Hunt, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Deacon. 

The Open Door Cafe serves hot lunch Sunday through Friday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Weakland Center at 831 N. Van Buren. 

Guests like Rick have been coming for years. 

“It’s an escape from a lot of wrong, when you come here theres peace," said Rick.

 In addition to the meals, the Open Door Cafe provides emergency assistance including hygiene products, socks and referrals for housing, employment and medical services. 

“To be able to find a meal to eat, to nourish them to make them feel comfortable gives them an understanding that they are not abandoned by the City of Milwaukee," said Hunt.